Reviews
Read what our parents and students think about us
Below you will find reviews and testimonials from current and former True Balance Karate students and their parents in Downers Grove, IL.
We pride ourselves on being recognized as a Top Rated Martial Arts School by Go2Karate.com. We hope that your experience on our website is friendly and easy to use.
Are you NEW to martial arts?
Then don't forget to check out all of the other reviews and see what others saying about our community service, martial arts instructors, programs, and much more. We take pride in teaching a high quality martial arts, offering great customer service and in our online reputation.
Doctor Januszyk
We have been members of this studio for years, and during this weird year want to make sure that we acknowledge and renew our support for TBK. We have two children that attend, each with different needs and goals, and both have thrived under their care. It is obvious that they truly care about each child and their family; you are not just another number! Highly recommend!
Maggie Aquino
Incredible instructors with a really structured program. i love that they integrate concepts to help kids learn to be respectful and independent.
Jomarie Rivera
Both of my kids started taking classes at TBK a few months ago and they love it! All the teachers are patient, seem to love teaching kids, and overall do a great job of making class fun. My kids are still pretty young (5 and 6) and I love how the school focuses on increasing their self-esteem while encouraging discipline and good habits. We’re excited to see how they progress as they continue with the school’s program!
Jordan Samuels
“TBK is my second home, and my favorite place to be. I started training here 8 years ago, along with my son. I had a background in martial arts from my youth, having done Tae Kwon Do for 10 years. I love the sense of community, leadership, and life skills that TBK offers. Over the years, my son and I came to class, made friends, and went to regional tournaments, which are part competition, part beautiful ceremony, and part large family reunion. I'm 52 and still going strong, and I'm going to test for my second degree black belt soon. I hope to be part of the TBK family forever.”
Lou Stastny
“Nice place very friendly and they take great patience with their students.”
Zinnia Elavia
True Balance Karate is such a great place for families to work on mind, body, and spirit. It is amazing that I can do Karate alongside my children. Master Helsdon and Master H have truly created a wonderful community here at TBK. All students are kind and welcoming. Give it a try - you won’t regret it!
Amanda LaReau
We are so appreciative of TBK for giving my son a place to develop his confidence, learn martial arts, and be part of a family - shout out to Master Helsdon, Master H, Miss Loula, Mr Felix and Mr Zach! Every time we enter the doors, we are always greeted with a smile and earnest conversation to check-in with how things are going. Especially given my son’s ADHD, TBK is amazing with developing character, respect, attentiveness, and drive for kids of all ages and abilities. In time, more and more of our friends and family members are joining too! We are having so much fun watching our family achieve our personal goals and we can’t wait to earn our black belts as a bonus!!
Susannah Go
We're new to TBK, and the onboarding experience has been A+++. We did a free 30 minute introductory class with a few other kids and Mister Felix, and it was great. My son got to break a board at the end, and he was so proud of himself. The kids needed some reminders to stay focused, and Mister Felix always gave kind and gentle corrections. It is hard to overstate how welcomed we have felt. At the intro class they had my son's name written on their welcome board, and we were immediately greeted by Miss Dawn who told us exactly what to do. By the end of the first "real" class, both owners Master Helsdon and Master H had introduced themselves to us and talked to us extensively about the program. Everyone has been happy to answer our questions (shoutout Miss Renee!), at no point were we confused or wondering what to do next. My son felt welcome too. Somehow everyone knows his name already, it is impressive! When the grown-ups talk with him, they always kneel down or even sit beside him. At his second lesson, there was a teacher he had never met before, and she came over to him, got down on one knee so she was on his level, shook his hand and introduced herself. Sometimes the adults just talk to other adults and ignore the kids; that is not the case here. They will treat your children like people and respect them. We are looking forward to our third lesson next week and so excited to be part of TBK!
Jim Seaton
“Our family has been going to True Balance Karate for a few years and it has been fantastic. The Masters Helsdon take pride in their studio and have created an environment filled with respect, compassion, dedication, and honor. All ages are welcome and the flexible class schedules make it easy to make karate a part of your life. This is a positive learning environment that turns people into leaders. The belt system allows everyone to learn at their own pace, and if you are looking to get into the competitive aspect, there are a couple of tournaments per year which are a good time. Seriously, you should come give it a try. It's a fun place with kind people that want to share their excitement about karate with you.”
Tonya Sandoval
This place teaches kids how to be more respectful and gives them confidence. Tonya Sandoval
Kim Bywater
My children have been at TBK for 3 years. It is an outstanding place where the owners truly care about the students. My son can sometimes (a lot of the times) struggle with focus but he is never treated badly for it. During the pandemic TBK has gone above and beyond to continue to offer classes on Zoom. My kids are not only learning martial arts but becoming better human beings by being part of the TBK family.
Magdalena Clemente
TBK is more than just learning self-defense. It has really helped build our daughter’s confidence and determination. She really likes the instructors, wants to do well and progress through her belts. TBK also instills in her good values that she tries to emulate outside of class.